Hardin-Houston honors academic excellence

Tina Mertz, high school and junior high math teacher, speaks to the group of elementary students, each of whom was recognized on Friday for academic excellence during the “All As” presentation in the Hardin-Houston School gym.

Photo by Aimee Hancock

Administrators, from left to right, Principal Sara Roseberry; board members Joel Knouff, Bill Clark, Jason Shaffer, Barri Grandey, Christine Helman; and Superintendent Larry Claypool shake hands with third grade students Katelyn Howard, left, daughter of Dean and Danielle Howard; and Jalynn Elsas, right, daughter of Jennifer and Jason Elsas, who were recognized during the “All As” presentation on Friday.

Sixth graders Katie Maier, left, daughter of Ryan and Gina Maier; and Ethan Lukey, right, son of Jeff and Jennie Lukey, were recognized for their academic excellence at Friday’s “All As” presentation.

Photo by Aimee Hancock

HOUSTON — Hardin-Houston Local School held its annual “All As” presentation after the JV basketball game on Friday.

All As is an academic promotion that was introduced seven years ago by Superintendent Larry Claypool at the beginning of his tenure with the district.

Claypool said he felt compelled to give students, who have earned As in all of their classes, an opportunity to be commended for their academic acheivements and thought recognition in front of a home athletic crowd would be a great way to give enthusiastic praise.

“As educators, we look for ways to encourage students to reach for excellence in whatever they do,” he said. “This evening’s celebration where a student hears their name announced in the midst of local community cheers reinforces that going above and beyond to get all As does have a payoff.”

During the ceremony, elementary students from grades three through six are each called by name and given a certificate and handshake from the board of education president and administrative staff.

“It’s great to see all the kids come out to be recognized,” said Jason Shaffer, Hardin-Houston BOE president. “This is a great night to show the students and the community that academics are as important as athletics. This is always one of my favorite nights of the year.”

On Friday evening, about 20 elementary students were recognized for their good grades. This number does not include the several additional students who were unable to attend the event due to illness.

“We work hard to teach our students the importance of perseverance,” said Sara Roseberry, Houston Elementary School principal. “Standards have become very challenging and earning straight As requires one to use grit. It is a pleasure to recognize those students who place the value of education at a premium.”

Tina Mertz, high school and junior high math teacher, speaks to the group of elementary students, each of whom was recognized on Friday for academic excellence during the “All As” presentation in the Hardin-Houston School gym.

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/02/web1_AllAs1.jpgTina Mertz, high school and junior high math teacher, speaks to the group of elementary students, each of whom was recognized on Friday for academic excellence during the “All As” presentation in the Hardin-Houston School gym. Photo by Aimee Hancock

Administrators, from left to right, Principal Sara Roseberry; board members Joel Knouff, Bill Clark, Jason Shaffer, Barri Grandey, Christine Helman; and Superintendent Larry Claypool shake hands with third grade students Katelyn Howard, left, daughter of Dean and Danielle Howard; and Jalynn Elsas, right, daughter of Jennifer and Jason Elsas, who were recognized during the “All As” presentation on Friday.

https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2018/02/web1_AllAs2.jpgAdministrators, from left to right, Principal Sara Roseberry; board members Joel Knouff, Bill Clark, Jason Shaffer, Barri Grandey, Christine Helman; and Superintendent Larry Claypool shake hands with third grade students Katelyn Howard, left, daughter of Dean and Danielle Howard; and Jalynn Elsas, right, daughter of Jennifer and Jason Elsas, who were recognized during the “All As” presentation on Friday. Photo by Aimee Hancock